Voting opened to the public on Monday, and in under 24 hours over 4000 votes had been cast, according to Dubbo Chamber of Commerce president Matt Wright.

"To say we're pleased with the response is a massive understatement, we're just blown away," he said.

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The COVID-19 pandemic led the chamber to cancel its annual Rhino awards, but in August they announced a different type of awards, the Salute to Dubbo Business.

The organisation, partnering with Regional Australia Bank, has set November 13 as the date.

There are five award categories: Dubbo's Favourite Tradie, Dubbo's Most Popular Business, Dubbo's Favourite Hospitality Business, Service with a Smile and the new Business that Met the Challenges of 2020 with Diversification and Innovation.

Mr Wright said the awards were a way to celebrate the contribution of businesses and individuals who under the current climate had been doing it tough.

"There's plenty of people that go through the daily grind, they love what they do and put on a smile and they provide a great service or run a great business," he said.

"But sometimes when you're in that position its nice to get that recognition, you don't need your name up in flashing lights, but sometimes a pat on the back to say 'hey someone thinks you're doing a great job', I think that's really important in business.

"It can be a lonely place in business sometimes, so if someone from the public recognises you're doing something really good and they enjoy that, then that's a bonus."

People can vote at dubbochamber.com.au. Voting closes on October 12.

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